For several months, tensions between India and the USA have been making headlines. The US-imposed 50% tariff on India due to its oil purchases from Russia added to the strain. Some US senior officials made sharp remarks against India, further increasing the tension. However, on Saturday, President Trump seemed to switch his stance by expressing friendship towards PM Modi.
PM Modi responded positively and showed confidence in the Indo-US relationship. Is this an indication of mending ties between the world's two largest democracies, or simply a temporary diplomatic spectacle? If one observes the talks, the signs appear hopeful, potentially marking the first step towards reconciliation.
Earlier this year, in February, PM Modi visited the USA. During his White House visit, Trump gifted him a book titled 'Our Journey Together', featuring photos from previous meetings. Perhaps, on Saturday, Trump was reflecting on this book, which provided an opportunity to ease his anti-India rhetoric, affirming everlasting friendship with Modi.
'Fear of Losing India and Russia to China'
A day prior, Trump shared a photo on Truth Social featuring Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping together, expressing concern over losing India and Russia to China. He wished for a long and prosperous partnership amongst them. Hours later, Trump's second post caught global attention, initiating the thaw in icy relations with India.
US reacts to Modi-Putin-Xi photos
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China saw PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and Putin in cordial discussions, causing ripples in America. Trump's initial comment was losing India to China, but later clarified it was not the case.
Referring to his February meeting, Trump said, as you know, I have a good rapport with Modi. He visited, we held a press conference at the Rose Garden.
PM Modi so far refrained from open criticism of Trump. After Trump's post, Modi tweeted, appreciating and fully supporting Trump's positive assessment and shared ties. The Indo-US strategic partnership is immensely positive and visionary.
Source: aajtak
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that PM Modi values partnership with the USA greatly. PM Modi's relations with Trump have always been very cordial.
How did the Friendship have a Rift?
On June 17, Modi and Trump had a discussion where PM Modi candidly stated that the USA had no role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire brokered in May. According to a New York Times report, Trump desired a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Modi's refusal brought a turning point. Moreover, PM Modi declined an invitation to stay in Washington concurrently with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, invited by Trump for dinner, fearing unwelcome photo opportunities. Reports indicate PM Modi ignored four calls from Trump over three months.
Amid harsh comments from Trump’s allies, he dismissively labeled India's economy 'dead'. This frivolous remark came as India surpassed Japan as the fourth largest economy.
The strained relations initially escalated when the USA imposed heavy tariffs on India's Russian oil purchases – the largest tariff America has ever imposed. India's tough stance on foreign investments in its agriculture and dairy sectors also stalled the pending trade deal with the USA. Trump expected the tariff would pressurize Russia to cease its Ukraine conflict, but it yielded no results.
India Avoided Direct Attacks
Amidst rising tensions, India refrained from directly attacking the USA or critiquing Trump. PM Modi, in his rallies, subtly emphasized that the government will never compromise on farmer interests, reiterating his 'self-reliant India' ideology. His Independence Day message was clear: make and spend in India.
On the diplomatic front, India opened new channels, expediting efforts to stabilize ties with China, which soured post-2020 Galwan Valley conflict. Last month, PM Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, emphasizing stronger ties. Simultaneously, India reinforced confidence with Russia.
Russia offered extra discounts on oil and opened red carpet access for Indian exports to Moscow, which added to US concerns. Images of Modi and Putin departing together in a Russian limousine during the SCO summit highlighted India’s rising importance in Asia, a strategy recognized by all US presidents.
Talking, Despite Strained Relations...
Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions, trade talks persist between the two nations. Recently, Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence in finalizing the trade deal by November. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated the strength in Indo-US relations.
Although he retaliated against Navarro's harsh comments, developments indicate relations between the world's largest and oldest democracies are intact. Upcoming months will reveal whether Trump and Modi's personal rapport can revitalize Indo-US relations.
